Published On: Fri, Jul 21st, 2017

Robert’s Community Report

By: Robert Weinroth

Congratulations to my friend, Jay DiPietro, on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Chapter of the Club Managers Association in recognition of his long history of giving back to the community. Through the FLCMAA, Jay has raised over $7 million for the most vulnerable in our community and much more through the Boca West Foundation, which focuses on supporting programs for Boca Raton’s children.

 

Welcome to FAU’s newest Owl! 

Jeff Atwater has officially joined Florida Atlantic University as Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Chief Financial Officer. Atwater brings to FAU years of experience in finance in the public and private sectors and executive leadership in Florida as a member of the Governor’s cabinet. He will lead the university’s strategic initiatives and economic development opportunities and manage the university’s budget.

 

Footwear manufacturer Shoes For Crews will relocate its headquarters to Boca Raton.

The company will move its more than 200 headquarters employees into 37,000 square feet at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus.

According to Dean Ngo, VP of global human resources for Shoes For Crews, their new offices are being designed and built from the ground up to foster better collaboration among teams and between departments, and provide a modern, welcoming workplace for each of our employees.

Shoes For Crews makes slip-resistant footwear under multiple brands. In 2016, the company acquired the SureGrip Footwear line. Now it will be part of BRIC’s 1.7 million-square-foot campus, which was originally developed by IBM in the 1970s.

 

Modernizing Medicine’s landing of $231 million in venture capital in May was among the top 10 deals in the country in the second quarter, according to the MoneyTree Report released this week.

Modernizing Medicine previously announced the investment, which is from the New York-based private equity firm Warburg Pincus. The fast-growing company has developed an electronic medical records and data business. The investment “means continued growth — more hiring and increasing the innovation in specialties today,” said Dan Cane, co-founder, and CEO. The company already has raised $87 million.

Modernizing Medicine employs 550 people and now has three South Florida locations, its main headquarters in the Research Park at FAU.

 

The 6th Annual Boca Burger Battle, held on July 15th, could not have been better. Fifteen competing teams for “best burger,” presented an assortment of gastronomic creations.

When it was all over the winners were:

Judges’ Choice: 1st Place: Deck 84; 2nd Place Sybarite Pig; and 3rd Place was clinched by George Patti’s MEAT Eatery (1st Place winner for the previous 2 years). The People’s Choice Award went to ROK BRGR

A portion of proceeds from the Boca Burger Battle benefit PROPEL (People Reaching Out to Provide Education and Leadership), a non-profit located here in Boca Raton.

PROPEL’s goal is to address the needs of youth and be a catalyst for change, one life at a time. They offer weekly programming and special events in the areas of arts, education, and recreation to best forward the future of our youth.

I’m going to avoid hamburgers for the next short while but Russell Spadaccini outdid himself and Chief Judge, Rey De La Osa, was a tough task master (15 burgers in under 2 hrs) but I can’t wait for next year’s culinary masterpieces!

 

Sunday, July 16th was a day of fun while raising funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis.

Billed as a day to participate in the most exciting, fun, intense game of HOPSCOTCH ever to HOP into Boca Raton — everyone (young and older) had a hot time in the Clive Daniel Home parking lot.

The objective, according to event organizer, Marla Jaffe, was to spread awareness for multiple sclerosis one HOP at a time and raise funds for college scholarships. Jaffe promised this is but the first of a succession of annual events that will challenge while being fun for all!

 

Governor Rick Scott was back in town. Accompanied by Senate President Joe Negron, Senator Joseph Abruzzo, the Governor was welcomed by the City Council and business community leaders as he recognized the job creation efforts of Orangetheory Fitness, with its corporate headquarters in the Park at Broken Sound. Orangetheory, with over 1,000 employees worldwide, has over 100 employees in Boca Raton and plans call for them to double that number over the next year.

 

Make the most of the last few weeks of summer vacation.  Sign up for one of the amazing summer programs offered by the City of Boca Raton and the Greater Boca Raton Beach & Parks District. Go to SugarSandpark.org for information.

 

Mark your calendar – Brazilian Beat returns to Downtown Boca Raton on Saturday, September 9th(more information will follow, shortly).

 

Would you like to serve on a City advisory board or panel? The City Clerk, Susan Saxton, is seeking applications from Boca residents who would like to be considered for an appointment to one of 6 advisory boards that have vacancies. The City Council will interview candidates at its workshop meeting on Monday, July 24th and Regular Meeting on Tuesday, July 25th at 6PM. Applications are available online for the Community Advisory Panel, General Employees Pension Board, Historic Preservation Board, Library Board, Marine Advisory Board and the Park & Recreation Board.

Go to www.MyBoca.US to learn more about the function and mission of these bodies and, if interested, submit your application to the City Clerk before Monday at Noon.

 

Have you voted for the Boca Bowl Idol (destined to perform the National Anthem at the Boca Raton Bowl on December 19th?   Between now and July 23rd, you can vote for one of 20 performers who would like the chance to be selected at the “finals” on August 1st at the Tilted Kilt as part of Boca Chamber Festival Days.

Go to TheBocaRatonBoawl.com/Singer-vote/ to review the audition tapes and VOTE. You can vote once a day until the voting closes at on July 23rd at 12:59PM. Mark your calendar to cheer on your favorite at the finals on August 1st at 6PM.

On July 21st don’t miss Petty Hearts offering a tribute to Tom Petty. The Free City of Boca Raton’s Summer in the City series continues at Downtown Boca Raton’s Mizner Park Amphitheater.

The last two concerts (a tribute to the Beatles and Billy Joel) were Standing Room Only! Tribute concert attendees ages 21 and over can sample a variety of craft beers from Hollywood Brewery at the Beer Garden starting at 7PM. Attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, car pool and use free parking at City Hall and the Boca Raton Library. Food and beverages will be available to purchase inside the venue. No outside food or beverages are allowed.

Chairs and blankets are welcome. For your convenience, chairs will be available to rent for $5 cash inside the venue. The show will go on, rain or shine.

Toast with The Hosts on July 26thCome enjoy complimentary champagne and wine at the Boca Raton Historical Society and Museum. Meet and reconnect with other professionals and community neighbors, meanwhile appreciating our beautiful City’s culture. Learn about health and nutrition through information provided by Healthy with Leslie’s owner, Leslie Woolley. Downtown Business Alliance members, Downtown Boca business neighbors and residents, City officials, and anybody supporting culture in Downtown Boca Raton are welcome to attend this event!

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